Tucson research finds balloons end up in national park

TUCSON, Ariz. — University of Arizona’s researcher indicated that a lot of
the helium balloons released in Tucson end up in Saguaro National Park sections that flank the southern Arizona city.

Doctoral student Erin Zylstra’s computer modeling found that a square kilometer in the park’s Rincon unit east of Tucson had 62 shriveled latex balloons hanging
on trees, melting on rocks or just generally strewn about.

According to the Arizona Daily Star, that’s more than
the 30 tortoises, 26 rattlesnakes and 29 plastic bags per square kilometer that Zylstra’s research found.

Zylstra said wind patterns blow balloons into the park, where they pose
potential threats if they’re eaten by animals or entangle them.

National Park Service biologist Don Swann said Zylstra’s research shows how people’s decisions can affect wilderness areas.